Aníbal Pinto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aníbal Pinto
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| 8th President of Chile | |
| In office September 18, 1876 – September 18, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Federico Errázuriz Zañartu |
| Succeeded by | Domingo Santa María |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 15, 1825 Santiago, Chile |
| Died | June 9, 1884 (aged 59) Valparaíso, Chile |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Delfina de la Cruz |
| Signature |  |
Aníbal Pinto Garmendia was an important political leader in Chile. He was born on March 15, 1825, and passed away on June 9, 1884. He served as the President of Chile from 1876 to 1881.
Contents
Aníbal Pinto: Chile's President
Early Life and Education
Aníbal Pinto was born in Santiago. His father, Francisco Antonio Pinto, was also a former president of Chile. Aníbal studied at the Colegio Argentino and the Instituto Nacional.
When he was 20, he started working in foreign service. He was an assistant at the Chilean office in the Holy See (the government of the Catholic Church). He returned to Chile two years later, in 1850.
Starting His Political Career
In 1852, Aníbal Pinto was elected to the lower house of Congress. He was re-elected many times. Later, he became a Senator.
In 1861, he was named the Intendant (a type of governor) of Concepción. He held this job for 10 years. While there, he married Delfina de la Cruz Zañartu.
Becoming President
In 1871, President Federico Errázuriz Zañartu appointed him as the Minister of War and Navy. From this position, he became a strong candidate for president.
He won the primary elections for the Liberal Party. Then, he won the presidential elections against Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna.
Leading Chile
Aníbal Pinto's time as president began during a very difficult period. Chile was facing its worst economic crisis of the 1800s.
- In 1876, severe floods damaged new roads and buildings.
- An earthquake in May 1877 caused even more destruction.
To help the country, President Pinto made a tough decision. He declared that money could not be exchanged for gold. This stopped banks from failing and saved the country's credit. However, some people did not agree with this choice.
In 1878, he officially made Viña del Mar a commune (a local government area).
The War of the Pacific
The biggest challenge during his presidency was the start of the War of the Pacific. This war was fought against Peru and Bolivia.
President Pinto successfully managed the first attacks. He also made sure that Argentina stayed neutral, which was very important.
- On July 23, 1881, he signed a treaty with Argentina.
- This treaty recognized Argentina's control over eastern Patagonia and eastern Tierra del Fuego.
- Chile kept control of the Strait of Magellan and western Tierra del Fuego.
He also helped Chile capture Antofagasta and Tarapacá. These areas became new sources of income, which helped pay for the rest of the war.
Life After Presidency
After his term ended, Aníbal Pinto left politics. He had to sell all his belongings because of a debt he had promised to pay. He moved to a very simple house in Valparaíso.
Even though he was offered jobs like senator or ambassador, he chose to work as a translator for railroad companies. He passed away in Valparaíso in 1884.
See also
In Spanish: Aníbal Pinto para niños
